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Monday, June 22, 2015

Strictly Smokin' Big Band @ Hoochie - June 21

(Review by Lance.).

What is there left to say about these guys? The adjectives in the Jazz Lexicon have long been exhausted so, until Mr Webster adds a few more to his dictionary, I'm tempted to cop out with Too Marvelous for Words.

But that would be cheating and as this band doesn't cheat musically then neither shall I.

A program of the tried and tested intermingled with the, at least to me, less familiar. Such a piece was the opening Pianistics. A feature for Graham Don on keys along the lines of Basie's The Kid From Redbank. It got the show on the road with a bang and soon the packed room were tripping the light fantastic. Skirts a-swirling, hips a-twirling, applause unfurling the bar had been set high!

Warren was smiling, the cocktails were flowing and Lindsay was singing I'm Beginning to See the Light.

James Hedley and F'reez proclaimed Let the Good Times Roll - they rolled!

Apart from the superb vocals that peppered the program so did the solos - as ever the saxes were to the fore with Gowland and Robinson heavily featured and Summers, Toms and my old buddy Laurie also having their meaningful say.

Trumpet blasts from Leader Lamb and Tanton, P. High notes from Marshall, G and trombonistics from Parnaby, K fused with PJ on guitar, Whent, M on bass guitar and that Guy Swinton on drums (and announcements) kept the temperature high.

And of course the section men without whom the sound wouldn't be there.

Three sets? Twenty Three wouldn't have been too many - for the audience!

Submissions for review

Whilst we appreciate the many emails, texts, messages and other communications we receive requesting album/gig reviews on BSH, regrettably, we are unable to reply to them all other than those we are able to answer with a positive response.

Similarly, CDs received by post will only be considered if accompanied by sufficient background material.

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Lance

About this blog - contact details.

Bebop Spoken Here -- Here, being the north-east of England -- centred in the blues heartland of Newcastle and reaching down to the Tees Delta and looking upwards to the Land of the Kilt.Not a very original title, I know; not even an accurate one as my taste, whilst centred around the music of Bird and Diz, extends in many directions and I listen to everything from King Oliver to Chick Corea and beyond. Not forgetting the Great American Songbook the contents of which has provided the inspiration for much great jazz and quality popular singing for round about a century.The idea of this blog is for you to share your thoughts and pass on your comments on discs, gigs, jazz - music in general. If you've been to a gig/concert or heard a CD that knocked you sideways please share your views with us. Tell us about your favourites, your memories, your dislikes.Lance (Who wishes it to be known that he is not responsible for postings other than his own and that he's not always responsible for them.)